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Nursing

Welcome to the Rend Lake College Nursing Department. We hope you will find the information needed to help you get started with a wonderful career in the nursing field. Specific questions about the application and admission to the program can be directed to the Director of Nursing at 618-437-5321 Ext. 1706.

Information About Testing

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About Our Program

About Our Program

The Associate Degree Nursing Program is designed to prepare nurses who, as beginning practitioners, are able to give quality nursing care to clients and function as members of nursing and health care teams. Registered nurses are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, physicians’ offices, clinics, and community agencies.

The Associate Degree Nursing program is designed to provide career mobility with emphasis focusing on critical thinking, problem solving, decision making related to the clinical area, clinical reasoning and nursing judgment. Graduates will be prepared to practice professional nursing in a variety of health care settings.

To remain in the program, the student must achieve a grade of “C” or better in each nursing course. It is also essential to demonstrate competence in dosage calculations and math skills. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation approves this program. Upon graduation, the student may be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses).

Please see the Nursing Handbook for complete curriculum information. 

Nursing Program Mission Statement

Nursing Program Mission Statement

Our mission is to prepare Associate Degree Nursing graduates to become lifelong learners and to function as multidisciplinary team members; able to provide safe, competent care addressing the changing needs of individuals, family, and the community across the lifespan. This goal is accomplished through instruction and practice of nursing skills, use of critical thinking and problem solving, and demonstration of effective oral and written communication throughout the steps of the nursing process.

Nursing Program Philosophy Statement

Nursing Program Philosophy Statement

The philosophy of the Rend Lake College Associate Degree Nursing Program reflects the mission and vision of the college; embracing cultural diversity and viewing each student as having inherent worth and potential. The program prepares the student for professional nursing roles and is a dynamic process that promotes the synthesis of information from evidence-based research through general studies, the sciences, and nursing experiences. Faculty members serve as facilitators of learning, provide guided experiential opportunities, and assist students to expand their knowledge and attain competencies, as well as furthering the development of professional roles and values.

Nursing education will be based on conceptualized learning and the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) core competencies of patient centered care, teamwork and collaboration, evidenced-based practice, quality improvement, safety, and informatics. Rend Lake College nursing faculty provide a learning environment that is student friendly and promotes professional commitment and self-direction.

Rend Lake College Associate Degree Nursing Graduate Outcomes

Rend Lake College Associate Degree Nursing Graduate Outcomes

Upon completion of the second year of Rend Lake College’s Associate Degree Nursing Program, the student will:

  • Assimilate and apply the nursing process to provide holistic, culturally diverse, patient-centered care to individuals, family, and community across the life span.
  • Collaborate effectively with the interdisciplinary team across the healthcare continuum.
  • Examine evidence-based practice for nursing interventions that are appropriate for diverse populations with multi-faceted healthcare needs across the lifespan.
  • Manage healthcare for the individual using cost effective nursing strategies, quality improvement processes, and current technology.
  • Delegate and deliver safe nursing interventions in collaboration with the patient and family, utilizing leadership principles to provide competent patient care.
  • Integrate healthcare information technology in nursing practice to improve the quality and safety of patient care throughout the nursing process.
  • Illustrate the need for personal accountability and professionalism as defined in the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses.

Special Admission Requirements ­For Two Year ADN Nursing Program

Special Admission Requirements ­For Two Year ADN Nursing Program

Admission of a student to the Associate Degree Nursing program shall be based solely on the qualifications of that student. College and state admissions policies are used to determine theses qualifications. All students wishing to enter the new two year ADN program must meet the following as minimum requirements:

  • Submit a completed Rend Lake College application form.
  • Submit a completed Associate Degree Nursing program application.
  • Be a graduate from an accredited high school or have successfully completed the GED exam.
  • Submit official transcripts from all high schools (or official GED test scores) and post-secondary institutions attended.
  • An overall college GPA of 2.0 is required for acceptance to Nursing program.
  • Achieve a competitive score on the pre-entrance exam for the ADN program.
  • Complete English 1101 with a grade of a "C" or better.
  • Complete CNA 1201 with a grade of "C" or better.
  • Complete MATH 1403, 1407, 1408 or higher unless math placement scores meet the following criteria:
    • ASSET Intermediate Algebra Score: 39+
    • ASSET College Algebra Score: 30+
    • COMPASS Algebra Score: 64+
    • COMPASS College Algebra Score: 24+
    • ACT Math Score: 22+
    • ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra Score: 85+
    • ACCUPLACER College Algebra Score: 63+
    • SAT Math Score: 550+

Other requirements upon notification of conditional acceptance-see handbook

Degrees & Certificates in Nursing

Degrees & Certificates in Nursing

ALLIED HEALTH DIVISION

NURSING - Degree

NURSING - Degree

Associate in Applied Science Degree

The Nursing program is designed to provide a career mobility path for individuals interested in health care. The curriculum is a concept-based method of instruction emphasizing critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, clinical reasoning and nursing judgment. Graduates will be prepared to practice professional nursing in a variety of health care settings.

Students must achieve a grade of “C” or better in each course, as well as demonstrate competency in dosage calculations and math skills. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation approves this program. Upon graduation, the student is eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Students who prefer to test out at the practical nurse level may do so after completing the first two semesters of listed coursework and then completing NURS 1212 – Practical Nurse Role Development (4 credit hours).

► Total = 64 Hours

note icon Clicking on a course code below shows you seat availabity and more information.

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

Competency in math (see admission requirements)

A criminal history background check & drug testing are required.

First Semester (17 Cr. Hrs.)

First Semester (17 Cr. Hrs.)

Second Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

Second Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

Third Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

Third Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

Fourth Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

Fourth Semester (15 Cr. Hrs.)

1 Prerequisite course(s) may be required based on test scores.

2 ZOO 1105 & 1106 and MICR 1101 must have been completed within the last five years.

LPN to RN BRIDGE

LPN to RN BRIDGE

Current Licensed Practical Nurses interested in obtaining their associate degree in nursing may complete one, four-hour course before enrolling in the second year of the Associate Degree coursework. All program requirements apply. The student must be accepted into the Nursing Program and have completed ZOO 1106 with a “C” or better within the last five years, prior to enrollment.

note icon Clicking on a course code below shows you seat availabity and more information.

 
PRACTICAL NURSING - Certificate

PRACTICAL NURSING - Certificate

Students who prefer to test out at the practical nurse level may do so after completing two semesters of listed Associate Degree coursework and then completing NURS 1212.

Gainful Employment Information

► Total = 37 Hours

note icon Clicking on a course code below shows you seat availabity and more information.

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

Competency in math (see admission requirements)

A criminal history background check & drug testing are required.

Each course in the curriculum must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to meet program requirements.

First Semester (17 Cr. Hrs.)

First Semester (17 Cr. Hrs.)

Second Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

Second Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

Summer Term (4 Cr. Hrs.)

Summer Term (4 Cr. Hrs.)

  • NURS 1212 Practical Nurse Role Development (4)

1 Prerequisite course(s) may be required based on test scores.

2 ZOO 1105 & 1106 and MICR 1101 or 1111 must have been completed within the last five years.

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Nursing Brochures

Nursing Brochures

Nursing Brochure

Nursing Handbook

Program Costs

Program Costs

Nursing Degree

Program Goals

Program Goals

  1. Determine appropriate fundamental skills needed to provide nursing care for patients.
  2. Identify appropriate pharmacology measures for safe administration of medications.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to choose appropriate leadership actions given specific situations.
  4. Perform as a competent and safe entry level Registered Nurse

Practical Nursing Certificate

Nursing FAQ

Nursing FAQ

Please read all application materials and the section of the catalogue that pertains to your program of interest. Many of your questions may be answered there.

Does everything have to be in to the Director of Nursing’s office before the deadline?

Does everything have to be in to the Director of Nursing’s office before the deadline?

Yes, all college transcripts, transcript evaluation (if necessary), and program application must be in prior to the deadline. All additional information must be turned in also.

Does the nursing department have an admission fee?

Does the nursing department have an admission fee?

No

Do I have to be accepted by the College before I can be accepted into any of the nursing programs?

Do I have to be accepted by the College before I can be accepted into any of the nursing programs?

Yes. Please go to the Rend Lake College website and complete the online application.

When do the nursing programs start?

When do the nursing programs start?

The program accepts new students each fall semester.

How long are the nursing programs?

How long are the nursing programs?

The Associate degree program consists of 4 consecutive semesters.

How many students are accepted into the program each year?

How many students are accepted into the program each year?

We accept approximately 50-60 students in Associate degree program each year.

Should I apply before I ask for the transcript to be sent?

Should I apply before I ask for the transcript to be sent?

You may turn in the application form before you ask other schools to send transcripts. As long as your file is complete before the deadline, it is not important in what order things arrive. It is your responsibility to make sure we receive everything needed for your file before the deadline.

Should I speak to an advisor before I sign up for classes?

Should I speak to an advisor before I sign up for classes?

We expect prospective nursing students to meet with a nursing advisor before registering for the nursing programs.

Do students have to do clinical work?

Do students have to do clinical work?

Yes, there is a required amount clinical work required by the state of Illinois.

Can I go part time?

Can I go part time?

General education coursework may be completed on a part-time basis. However, once the nursing program begins, coursework is completed only on a full-time basis.

How do you choose candidates?

How do you choose candidates?

Psychological Services Bureau test scores are used, with preference given to in-district students.

Do I need my own computer?

Do I need my own computer?

Many courses include computer and Internet-based assignments. Having your own computer gives you more freedom in completing course assignments. Computer labs are available on campus for student use. As a student, you receive free access from home to the Internet and an email address.

Can I work while completing the programs?

Can I work while completing the programs?

This will depend on the type of job that you have. The nursing programs require a large amount of independent study time outside of class. While some students continue to work part-time throughout the program, most find this a challenge. We recommend that students plan their schedules prior to starting the program to ensure that they have enough time to attend to family matters, attend class and have time at home to complete independent study activities.

 

Articulation Agreements

Articulation agreements document a pathway between two or more colleges or universities and their academic programs.

 

22 articulation CMU 3 icon

Central Methodist University - Nursing

22 articulation 3 icon chamberlain nursing

Chamberlain College of Nursing - Nursing
 

22 articulation 3 icon EIU

Eastern Illinois University - Nursing

 

Nursing Informational Meetings

Thinking of becoming a nurse? Attend one of our informational meetings below. 

No events

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Faculty & Staff

Dr. Nancy Buttry
Dr. Nancy Buttry
Nursing Director
Phone Extension: 1706
Building: South Oasis
Office: 123
PHD- SIU Carbondale; MSN- University of Evansville; BSN- California State University Sacramento
Lynn Salesberry
Lynn Salesberry
Nursing Instructor
Phone Extension: 1709
Building: South Oasis
Office: 118
A.D.N., Rend Lake College | M.S.N.E., South University
Dr. Susan Wiley
Dr. Susan Wiley
Nursing Instructor
Phone Extension: 1763
Building: South Oasis
Office: 123
A.A.S., Rend Lake College | M.S.N. & B.S.N., McKendree University | D.N.P., McKendree University
Denise Griffith
Denise Griffith
Nursing Instructor
Phone Extension: 6420
Building: South Oasis
Office: 120
B.S.N., McKendree University | M.S.N., Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Sarah Hopfinger
Sarah Hopfinger
Nursing Instructor
Phone Extension: 1781
Building: South Oasis
Office: 125
BSN/MSN- University of Southern Indiana
Tracy Smith
Tracy Smith
Nursing Instructor
Phone Extension: 1759
Building: South Oasis
Office: 122
ADN- IECC, BSN/MSN- Regis University

Allied Health Division
Phone: (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1251
Email: 
Address: 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: Allied Health
Fax Number: (618) 437-5677 Attn: Allied Health

 

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Upcoming Events

Student & Alumni Art Show
Feb 01 2019
Food Sanitation Training
Mar 23 2019
SAT Prep
Mar 04 2019
Diversity Event: Film Showing (TBA)
Mar 25 2019
Artist Demonstration: Carrie Gibbs
Mar 27 2019
Transition Summit
Mar 28 2019
Associate Degree Nursing PSB Entrance Exam
Mar 28 2019
Associate Degree Nursing PSB Entrance Exam
Mar 28 2019
Associate Degree Nursing PSB Entrance Exam
Mar 29 2019
Illinois State Police Recruitment Workshop
Mar 29 2019